One of the most challenging aspects of designing research is making sure that the design you land on will lead to actionable insights. This is particularly true for later stage research like shopper insights - a place that I've spent a lot of time over the last few years.

Recently we discussed tips for connecting with great employers at a career fair . This week, we thought we would share a few secrets to help future candidates stand out from the crowd. Looking to meet Murphy Research at a Career Fair? Here are a few tips to impress us.

Hi, I'm Rachel Podell and I head up Talent Acquisition at Murphy Research. Murphy Research crafts its entry-level Research Associate position through an apprenticeship model to help raise our next generation of market researchers. Our leadership takes a lot of pride in the training and mentorship we offer to help advance junior researchers through our career path. Many of our researchers grow into advanced positions, taking on more complex project work and leadership roles. And, as in any business, some employees do move-on; but, we're proud to say that when they do, most head off to amazing client-side or academic research opportunities. We continue to be proud of our work and training, and as I focus on our talent recruitment efforts, we aim to uncover the pinnacle factors for talent success.

Ask someone what a focus group is, and she'll probably describe its iconic trappings -the one-way glass, the name tags, the curious moderator. But there's also an invisible component so powerful that practically no focus group can do without it. That component is called laddering.

What is AR? AR, meaning Augmented Reality, is an emerging technology that blends the physical world with elements of computer generated imagery and/or animation. A great example of this is the facial filters that Snapchat offers.

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Every savvy marketer knows that all shoppers are not created equal. It can be easy to get caught up in the latest buzz or stuck in age-old assumptions - e.g. shoppers demand personalization; consumers always love promotions; if it's organic, it will sell! - but marketers quickly learn if they spread their brand and their resources too thin, their message will get lost and they'll lose customers along the way.It's time for marketers to get back to the basics and know your shoppers.

As market researchers, we're keenly aware that sometimes there's a gap between what people say and what they do, between aspiration and behavior. That's not because people lie or deliberately mislead (although occasionally they do). Rather, it's often because everyday behaviors and assumptions are so routine and deep-seated they fade into the background of our lives. The implicit and taken-for-granted can be hard to notice, recall, and describe. And yet, some of the deepest insights into consumer attitudes and behaviors lie in those unconscious routines and tacit assumptions. So how do we see the invisible and hear the unspoken?

LeBron James making his move to LA has been one of the most talked-about decisions in the sports world. His four-year, $154 million contract ($38,500,000 a year) will make him the highest paid NBA player ever. There's a new legend in town, but one thing that really separates King James from former Lakers greats is the heavy economic opportunity he has brought to each of the cities in which he's played. The study of this has been dubbed "LeConomics," and big brands and local establishments alike need to understand the impact of this economic force.

The proliferation of smartphone apps, wearable trackers, smart clothes and other health tech has given us access to more information about our fitness and nutrition than ever before. But does collecting all this data make us any healthier?

What is AR? AR, meaning Augmented Reality, is an emerging technology that blends the physical world with elements of computer generated imagery and/or animation. A great example of this is the facial filters that Snapchat offers.

The lean approach to startups, innovation and product development is all the rage - and for good reason. There are many benefits to the lean approach, including quicker time to market, reduced development costs, more innovative products and improved customer relationships. However, companies outside the web/digital space can struggle executing on some of the principles of lean development, and even technology companies need a clear vision and strategy, along with processes for collecting and analyzing feedback, to embrace lean principles. Market research can bridge those gaps!